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Published on 09/01/1999 All articles from this issue

Local Jews discuss security issues following Los Angeles shootings

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By Jeff Eisenberg

Special to the Town Crier

Congregation Beth Am used to be a sanctuary for Palo Alto resident Veronica Neidleman. However, in the wake of the Aug. 10 attack at the North Valley Jewish Community Center in Los Angeles, Neidleman and other congregation members are anxious that Beth Am may no longer be a safe haven.

"This pushes all my buttons because I get very scared," says Neidleman. "It reminds me of what happened (in Germany)."

Neidleman is not the only one nervous about hate crimes.

Local Jewish community centers are trying to alleviate fears by hiring armed security guards and increasing police patrols. Many are requiring staff to wear name tags and are tightening the registration process for guests.

Congregation Beth Am is also "taking the necessary precautions," according to Rabbi Janet Marder.

The Santa Clara County Sheriff deputies have patrolled Beth Am every day since the shootings, and the clergy and executive committee are conducting meetings to discuss further security measures, according to Steve Feldstein, president of Beth Am.

"We are not sitting here trembling," said Feldstein. "Attacks like this are random, so this could clearly happen anywhere."

Although Beth Am officials acknowledge they are looking into new security methods, neither Feldstein nor Rabbi Marder would comment on specific plans.

The need for increased security comes on the heels of an increase in hate crimes in California, commencing June 18 with the burning of three Sacramento synagogues and continuing with the shooting in LA.

Locally, the Albert L. Schultz Jewish Community Center in Palo Alto has received a series of calls from a white supremacist.

Despite these horrifying events, "the worst thing would be to capitulate to the fear," says Marder. No programs or events have been canceled at either Congregation Beth Am or any of the local Jewish community centers.

Not everyone can put these incidents behind them though. For Neidleman, the heightened security around Beth Am is a daily reminder of the intolerance in the world today.

"I don't think that you can protect yourself," said Neidleman. "One hopes that these were isolated incidents, but you can never be sure."